Which assessment information obtained by the nurse indicates that a patient with an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is experiencing a side effect of prednisone (Deltasone)?
a. The patient has joint pain and stiffness.
b. The patient's blood glucose is 165 mg/dL.
c. The patient has experienced a recent 5-pound weight loss.
d. The patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has increased.
ANS: B
Corticosteroids have the potential to cause diabetes mellitus. The finding of an elevated blood glucose reflects this side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids increase appetite and lead to weight gain. An elevated ESR and no improvement in symptoms would indicate that the prednisone was not effective but would not be side effects of the medication.
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